Integration device for radioactivity measurements



Feb. 6, 1951 A. WOLF 2,540,31

INTEGRATION DEVICE FOR RADIOACTIVITY MEASUREMENTS Filed Aug. 12, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

LEXANDE OLF ATTORNEZI/ZS Feb. 6, A. WOLF INTEGRATION DEVICE FOR RADIOACTIVITY MEASUREMENTS Filed Aug. 12, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 7'0 vAcuz/M TUBE v01. TMET I? FRO/14.057567 E A2 36 E i; zz

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AL EXANDEP WOL F ATTORNEYS Patented Feb. 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE INTEGRATION DEVICE FOR RADIOACTIV- ITY MEASUREMENTS Alexander Wolf, Houston, Tex, assignor to The Texas Company, New York, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application August 12, 1947, Serial 80. 788,089 6 Claims. (01. 171-95) employed in the detection and measurement of the emissions associated with nuclear transformations is such that the statistical nature of physical processes becomes very apparent. As a result of the relatively small number of particles or quanta which are detected, it is impossible to state the intensity of the emission at any particular instant, but only the average intensity over a definite time interval. The precision of a measurement increases with this time interval and also with the intensity. In laboratory measurements, whenever instruments are employed which detect individual particles or quanta, it is common practice either to measure the time during which a definite number of events is detected, or to count the number of events durin a definite time interval. Such measurements are carried out with a stop watch and some type of counting device.

If it is desired to record graphically the intensity of an emission as a function of time, it is necessary to introduce what is known as an integration device, the function of which is to provide some quantity proportional to the time average of the number of events which are detected. The time interval over which the average is taken may be called the "time constant *of the device.

In accordance with this invention an "ideal" integration device, the characteristics of which will be discussed hereinafter, is approximated -'very closely by means of a ring of identical condenser-s, perhaps six in number, arranged so that the pulses from a radiation detector are passed through a resistance to one condenser for a time period which is short compared to the product of-the resistance of the resistor and the capacitance of that condenser, and then periodically and regularly to each of the other uncharged condensers. The accumulated voltage of a group or the so charged condensers is measured and these operations are repeated continuously by removing and discharging one of the charged condensers from the group while simultaneously adding to the group a newly charged condenser.

For a better understanding of the invention reference may be had to the accompanyin draw-.- ing in which:

Figure l is a curve showing the charge on a condenser when a. sudden change occurs in the intensity of the emission being measured;

Figure 2 is a somewhat similar curve for an "idea integration device;

Figure 3 shows the curves of Figures 1 and 2 superimposed upon each other;

Figure 4 is a curve showing the charge on a plurality of condensers arranged in accordance with the invention;

Figure 5 is a somewhat diagrammatic front elevation of a six condenser integration device:

Figure 6 is a sectional view, also somewhat diagrammatic, taken on the line 6-6 of Figure 5; and

Figure 7 is a diagram of a more or less conventional integration circuit.

The integration device most commonly employed consists of a resistor R and a condenser C (Fig. 7) connected across a comparatively small resistor r. If a series of current pulses I is permitted to flow as indicated, then at any time a. charge exists on condenser C, which is proportional to a weighted time average of the frequency of the current pulses. The time over which this average is taken depends only on the product RXC'. The larger this product the smaller the statistical fluctuations in the charge on condenser C. The statistical fluctuations can be suppressed to any desired extent by making this product large enough, but'only at the expense of response speed. Figure 1 shows what happens to the charge on condenser C when a sudden change occurs in the intensity of the emission which is being measured. Along the ordinate of Figure l is plotted the charge on condenser C in percentage of the final charge. The abscissa represents time, plotted in terms of the product RXC. This can be done because dimensionally the product of resistance and capacitance is time. In particular, if the resistance is measured in megohms and the capacitance in microfarads then the product comes out as seconds of time. It can be seen from Figure 1 that the charge on a condenser, the quantity which is ultimately recorded, increases sharply at first, and then very gradually. In particular, if one desires to measure the final charge with an accuracy slightly better than 2 percent, one must wait a time interval of 4R0 before a, reading is taken. It is this time delay which practically iimits one in the suppression of the statistical fluctuations.

The above described integration device, while exceedingly simple, is not necessarily the best. One can define an ideal integration device as one which at any time provides a reading or deflection which is proportional to the number of particles or quanta observed during a definite interval just preceding the instant at which a recording is being made. The response of such a device to a sudden change in intensity is shown in Fig. 2. Such a device will deflect at a uniform rate and will reach the final reading in a definite time T, which can be called the time constant of the device. This can be compared with the asymptotic approach to the final reading of the resistance-condenser network (Fig. 1).

Theoretical considerations indicate that the time constant T of the ideal" integration device must be made equal to twice the product RXC of the resistance-condenser network in order to satisfy the requirement that the statistical fluctuations which will be recorded by the former device will not exceed the statistical fluctuations of the latter. One thus arrives at a direct comparison of the two types of devices, adjusted for the same statistical fluctuations. Figure 3 shows the response curves of the two devices superimposed on each other. It can be seen that whereas the ideal device reaches its final reading at the time T, the comparable resistancecondenser network at that time is still 13 percent away from the final reading. A time 21 is required until the latter comes within 1.8 percent of the final reading, which might be considered the practical limit of accuracy in this type of measurement. Thus the ideal" device oiiers an advantage of a factor of 2 in the speed of response whenever a semi-precise measurement is to be made, and is never inferior it a measurement is required with an accuracy better than 20%.

In Figures 5 and 6 of the drawing there is illustrated an integration device embodying the principles of this invention. A plurality of electrical condensers i0, i2, I4, l6, l8 and 20 of equal capacities are mounted in any suitable manner on a disc or plate 22, preferably formed of electrically insulating material and supported rigidly as by means of brackets 24. Disposed around the periphery of the disc 22 is an angular ring member 26, the inner edge of which fits closely about the outer edge or rim of the disc 22. The outer edge of the ring member 26 is provided with gear teeth 28 adapted to cooperate with similar teeth on a pinion 30 mounted upon the shaft of a motor 32. The motor 32 is adapted by any suitable means to rotate the ring 26 at intervals in a clockwise direction through angles of 60 for a purpose which will be pointed out hereinafter.

To one face of the ring 26 three metallic rings 34, 36 and 38 are secured and disposed so as to maintain electrical contact with these three rings are three wiping brushes 40, 42, and 44 respectively. Although these brushes are shown in vertical alignment in Figure 6 they are, for ease of illustration, shown at different angular positions in Figure 5.

From each of the six condensers ill-20 lead wires extend to contacts 46 imbedded in the outer rim of the stationary disc 22. For each pair of condenser contacts 46 a pair of brush contacts 48 are provided in the inner edge of the ring 26 in such a manner that for each stationary position of the ring 26 a pair of the brush contacts 48 will be in alignment and in contact with a pair of the condenser contacts 46 as is shown in Figure 5. One of the brush contacts 46 is connected electrically with the ring 36; one o! the brush contacts 48 opposite condenser I4 is connected to the ring 34 while the inner ring 34 is connected by wires 50 and 52 to the two brush contacts opposite condenser I2, to the other one of the brush contacts opposite condenser l0 and to one brush contact opposite condenser 20. Condensers l4, l6, l8 and 20 are connected in series by means of the condenser contacts 46, brush contacts 48 and wires 54. The inner rin 38 is connected through the brush contact 44 to ground at 56. The outer ring 34 is connected through brush 40 to a high impedance vacuum tube voltmeter 58 while the middle ring 36 is connected through brush 42 with the input circuit shown as comprising the series resistance R and the smaller grounded resistance r. It is understood that the current pulses passing through the input circuit may be from a radiation detector or counter, not shown.

With the elements in the position shown in Figure 5 condenser 12 is short circuited, condenser lfl is connected to the charging or input circuit which circuit is operated substantially like the conventional resistance-condenser inte; grating network. Condensers i4, i6, i8 and 24 are in series with the high impedance vacuum tube voltmeter 58. Assuming that at the start of the operation there is no charge on any of the condensers, the voltmeter 58 will indicate zero. For a period of time %T, where T is the time constant of the device, a charge is allowed to accumulate on the condenser iii. The product of the series resistance R and the capacitance of the condenser I0 is not less than T, and preferably T, ensuring that the charge on the condenser it) increases uniformly with time as can be seen by reference to Figure 1. After the time interval AT has elapsed the ring 26 is turned rapidly clockwise through 60 by means of the motor drive 32--30 whereupon condenser !12 is substituted for condenser in in the charging circuit with condenser in being connected into the array of four condensers in series to which the measuring device 58 is connected. The voltage indicated by the measuring device 58 will then become A; of the final voltage (see Figure 4) After another interval of AT the ring 26--is rotated and advanced again in a similar fashion and after four 60 turns of the rings, all four condensers then connected to the measuring device 58 will be fully charged.

There is no charge thereafter unless the charging rate changes, either because of statistical fluctuations, or because of an alteration in the radiation which is being measured. If the intensity of the radiation being measured changes between the switching operations five rotational steps may be required before the final reading is obtained instead of the four which were described. The measuring circuit must be of such high input impedance that it does not permit any appreciable discharge of the condensers during the measuring cycle T.

As has been previously mentioned the device shown in Figures 5 and 6 is by way of example only and may take any other suitable form so long as the principles described are carried out. For instance, the ring member 26 may be main-. tained in a fixed position and the inner plate 22 caused to rotate at intervals with respect thereto. In such a case and with the connections as shown as, is described in the foregoing paragraphs such 6 a device has many applications such, for example,

as in radioactive well logging wherein a radiation detector with its integration circuit is passed through a bore hole or a well to measure variations in the radioactivity of the formations l0 traversed. With the integration device or circuit described above such a log can be made in considerably less time than when the conventional integration circuit comprising a series resistance and one condenser is used. As another 16 example, measurements of the thickness of a wall or plate by radioactivity, as described in the reissue patent to D. G. C. Hare, No. 22,531, granted August 22, 1944, can be made much more quickly than heretofore. Obviously many other modifications and varies tions of the invention, as hereinbefore set forth, may be,made.without departing from the spirit' "3P averaging effect of the integration circuit is exand scope thereot, and therefore only such limitations should be impdset'r as are indicated in the appended claims. i

I claim: ii l. The method of measuring th'rate of current pulses which consists in passing these pulses through a resistor to a condenser for a time period, periodically and regularly repeating this step on other uncharged condensers, measuring the accumulated voltage of a group of such condensers which have been charged, and repeating these operations continuously by removing and discharging one condenser from the group, sub- Jectlng that condenser to a new charge by said pulses and adding it to the group of charged condensers, the time for charging each condenser being the same fraction of the time constant of said resistor and any one of said condensers as one is to the number of condensers in said group.

2. The method of measuring the rate of current pulses which consists in passing these pulses through a resistor to charge a condenser [or a time period, periodically and regularly repeating this step on other uncharged condensers, measuring the accumulated voltage of {g group of such condensers which have been charged, and removing and discharging one condenser from the group simultaneously with the addition of a newly charged condenser to the group, the time for charging each condenser being the same fraction of the time constant of said resistor and any one of said condensers as one is to the number of condensers in said group.

3. The method of measuring the rate of current pulses which consists in passing these pulses through-,5. resistor to a condenser'ior a time period, periodically and regularly repeating this step on b'ther uncharged condensers, measuring the accumulated voltage across a' group of condensers which have been so charged, at regular intervals adding to said group a newly charged condenser while simultaneously removing from the group one of the previously charged condensers, and discharging said removed condenser while a new condenser is being charged by said pulses preparatory to being added to the group, the time for charging each condenser being the same fraction of the time constant of said resistor and any one of said condensers as one is to the number of condensers in said group.

4. An integratiomcircuit comprisin a resistor. a group of condensers of equal capacities, the re- 8 sistor when in series with anyone of the condensers forming on integration circuit having a time constant, means for charging one of said condensers through said resistor for a time pe riod, means for removing said charged condenser from the charging portion of the circuit and replacing it with an uncharged condenser, means for simultaneously connecting the charged. condenser in series with the previously charged condensers to form a group, said timeperiod being equivalent to the same fraction of said time constant as one is to the number of condensers in said group, means for removing one of the condensers from said group and for simultaneously discharging said removed condenser whereupon a voltage will be built up across the group of condensers connected in series during the said charging time, and a driving device for actuating all of said means in repeated sequence whereby the 'tended over a time period which is several times "as long as said charging time.

5. A circuit for measuring the rate of current pulses, comprising a resistor, a plurality of con-- densers of equal capacities, the product of the capacity or one of said condensers times the resistance of said resistor defining the time constant of the circuit, means for connectin one of said condensers in series with said resistance so that a charge will be built up thereon from the output of said detector for a time period, means for short circuiting another oi aid condensers to remove any charge thereon, a voltage measuring instrument, means for connecting the remaining condensers in series with said instrument to form a group, said time period being equivalent to the same fraction of said time constant as one is to the number of condensers in said group, and means for advancing said condenser connecting means at regular intervals so that one of the condensers which had been connected to said instrument will be short-circuited and dischar ed, the condenser which had been previously short-circuited will be connected in series with said resistor to be recharged and the condenser on which a charge had previously been built up will be connected in series with those still connected to said instrument.

6. A circuit for measuring the rate of current pulses, comprising a resistor, a plurality of condensers of equal capacities, the product of ca-- pacity of one of said condensers times the resistance of said resistor defining the time constant of the circuit, means for connectin one of said condensers in series with said resistance so that a charge will be built up thereon from the output of said detector for a time period. means for short-circuiting another of said condensers to remove any charge thereon, a voltage measuring instrument, means for connecting the remaining condensers in series with said instrument to form a group, said time period being equivalent to the same fraction of said time con stant as one is to the number of condensers in said group, and means for advancing saidcondenser connecting means at regular intervals so that one of the condensers which had been connected to said instrument will be short-circuited and discharged, the condenser which had previously been short-circuited will be connected in series with said resistor to be recharged and the condenser on which a charge had previously been built up will be connected in series with those still connected to said instrument. the length of 7 nald interval being in the same proportion to the length of said time constant as one is to the number of condensers at any one time connected in series to said instrument.

ALEXANDER WOLF.

REFERENCES CITED UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Chubb Sept. 9, 1924 Number Number 8 Name Date Fitzgerald Mar. 1. 1938 Cooper. Oct. 28, 1941 Keelcr May 23. 1944 Jones Apr. 10, 1945 Clark June 5, 1945 Holst Nov. 26, 1946 Test et al. Jan. 13, 1948 OTHER REFERENCES Curtlss-Research Paper R. P. 1223, Journal 01' Research of the National Bureau of Standards, vol. 23, July 1939. I 

